The Association of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels and Lipid Profile in Euthyroid Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Previous studies reported a relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of TSH levels on lipid profile in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and euthyroid state. Patients were selected from the Isfahan FH registry. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria are used to detect FH. Patients were classified into no FH, possible FH, probable FH, and definite FH groups based on the DLCN scores. Patients with any cause of secondary hyperlipidemia, including hypothyroidism, were excluded from this study. The study group consisted of 103 patients with possible FH, 25 patients with definite FH, and 63 individuals with no FH. The mean TSH and LDL-C levels among participants were 2.10 ± 1.22 mU/l and 142.17 ± 62.56 mg/dl, respectively. No positive or negative correlation was found between serum TSH and total cholesterol (P value = 0.438), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.225), triglycerides (P value = 0.863), and LDL-C (P value = 0.203). We found no correlation between serum TSH levels and lipid profiles in euthyroid patients with FH.

Apolipoprotein B gene mutation related to familial hypercholesterolemia in an Iranian population: With or without hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) leads to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in plasma. Mutations of its related gene; apolipoprotein B (APOB) is seen in about two percent of the patient with FH. Thyroid disease is usually part of the exclusion criteria for the detection of FH which alters the lipid profile. We evaluated mutations in the APOB gene in patients with high LDL-C levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged between 2 and 80 years with at least one LDL-C level of more than 190 mg/dl were selected (120 patients) from Isfahan Laboratories. Blood samples were obtained from all patients. Genomic DNA was extracted. Primer sequences were designed by Oligo 7.60 to amplify the desired 844 bp region of exon 26 of the APOB gene containing R3500Q and R3500W variants associated with FH. RESULTS: Overall, two patients showed a heterozygous form of a common pathogenic variant in exon 26 named c. 10579 C > T (R3500W, cDNA.10707), and one patient was hypothyroidism. We also recognized another nonpathognomonic variant c. 10913G > A (rs1801701, cDNA.11041) in 13 patients, two of them were hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: This study for the first time shows the coexistence of APOB mutation in hypothyroidism, which emphasis screening of patients with hypothyroid for FH detection.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Iran: Findings from the Four-Year FH Registry.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disease. Its diagnosis in Iran was uncommon. Iran registry of FH (IRFH) has been started from 2017 from Isfahan. In this study, we report the four-year FH registry. METHODS: The Iran FH registry is an ongoing study which is followed by a dynamic cohort. It has been started from 2017. The patients are selected from laboratories due to high cholesterol level and who have history of premature cardiovascular disease. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria are used for the detection of FH. Cascade screening is performed for detection of first-degree relative of patients. RESULTS: Among the 997 individuals included in this registry, they were 522 (mean age 51.41 ± 12.91 year), 141 (mean age 51.66 ± 8.3 year), and 129 (mean age 41 ± 16.5 year) patients from laboratories, premature cardiovascular disease, and relatives, respectively. In total, 263 patients were diagnosed with probable or definite FH, and others were in the possible group. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level was 141.42 ± 45.27 mg/dl in the laboratory group and 54.9% of patients were on LLT treatment. In patients with premature cardiovascular disease and FH, the LDL level was 91.93 ± 32.58 and was on LLT treatment. The LDL concentration in the first relative of FH patients was 152.88 ± 70.77 and 45.7% of them are on LLT therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Most of FH patients were underdiagnosed and undertreated before their inclusion in the IRFH. Cascade screening helps in the improvement of diagnosis.

CASCADE screening and registry of familial hypercholesterolemia in Iran: Rationale and design.

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common genetic disorders, which leads to premature coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been suggested that heterozygous FH affects around 1:250 to 1:500 in the general population or even more than this, and homozygous FH affects 1:1000000 of the population. If patients with FH are not diagnosed and treated early in life, many of them will develop premature CAD event. As most of the patients with FH are undiagnosed, it is recommended that the general population be screened for high risks of the events since early treatments can reduce the risk of premature CADs. The clinical diagnostic criteria for FH consist of increased plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), clinical features and family history of CAD. However, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based detection of FH mutation has high diagnostic values. As there was no screening for FH in Iran up until now, we have started screening and registering patients with FH using the CASCADE method. METHODS: We detected FH subjects in the general population by screening laboratories according to their high LDL-C levels (more than 190 mg/dl or 150 mg/dl if receiving treatments), while our second approach was hospital-based in which one screens hospitalized patients with premature CAD events. RESULTS: We intended to screen families of indexed patients to provide standard care and therapy in order to optimize their LDL-C. CONCLUSION: This article provides detailed information on the rationale and design of this screening and registry in Iran.

The sustainability of interventions of a community-based trial on children and adolescents' healthy lifestyle.

BACKGROUND: Sustainability is the core of a successful health-related intervention program. This study was conducted to evaluate the sustainability of interventions of the Heart Health Promotion from Childhood (HHPC) project, one of the 10 interventional projects of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. METHODS: The evaluation of HHPC included administrating surveys to 500 elementary and middle, and 500 high school students. The study participants were randomly selected from all schools in Isfahan. The questionnaires were administered by interviews to evaluate the sustainability of interventions. RESULTS: The results of interviews showed that interventions were sustainable in 100% of elementary school, 99% of middle school, and 87% of high school students. Training of healthy lifestyle behaviors was significantly higher in all-girls middle schools (P < 0.001). Daily morning exercise was more frequent in girls high schools (P < 0.001), while selling unhealthy food was more frequent in boys high schools (P < 0.001). The participants attributed the success of the program mostly to students' agreement and cooperation. CONCLUSION: Even though 5 years have passed since the end of the HHPC project, many of the interventions have been continued at the schools, often because healthy behaviors have become institutionalized in the target population. However, now all schools have the same level of sustainability, especially the middle and high schools, and all-boys schools. Therefore, it is important for future projects to place additional emphasis on these institutions for future school-based interventions.

Parental perceptions of weight status of their children.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of parents is important for planning appropriately to control their children's weight. We aimed to study these variables in parents of normal, underweight, overweight, and obese children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study targeted the parents of normal, underweight, overweight, and obese children, who were selected using multistage random sampling method. The parents' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors about the weight status of their children, weight management, obesity, diet, lifestyle, and related psychosocial factors were evaluated using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire, which had been validated, consisted of 12 demographic, 8 knowledge, 19 attitude and beliefs, and 25 behavior questions. Mean knowledge, attitude and beliefs, and behavior scores were compared across three subgroups of parents. Student's independent t-test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to study the correlation between different demographic and socioeconomic factors, and the studied variables. RESULTS: 90% of parents were aware that obesity is a disease, and 92% knew that eating too much fast food would lead to obesity in children. Only 5% assumed that obese children are healthier than non-obese children. The mean scores of the three subgroups showed no significant difference in knowledge, attitude and beliefs, and behavior. Families with fathers, whose education level was higher than high school diploma, rated their children's weight status as overweight or obese significantly less than families with fathers, whose education level was high school diploma or lower (8.5% vs. 16.5%, respectively, P = 0.014). Only 12% of parents tried to help their children lose weight at least once, and only 6% arranged sport activities for the family members. In 57% and 41% of families, the child, respectively, decided how much time was enough to watch TV, and how much chocolates and sweets to eat. 46% of children watched TV for more than 2 hours/day, and 49% of children watched TV while eating meals. The mean total score of boys' parents was significantly lower than that of girls' parents (P < 0.05). Families with low income, with no medical insurance, or not owning a house thought that the cost of registration in sport activities for children was too high (P < 0.03). CONCLUSION: Some parents unreasonably rated the weight status of their children as overweight/obese. It is suggested that further studies be carried out to evaluate and improve parents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding their children's weight.

Differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in boys and girls based on various definitions.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing among children and adolescents. However, the prevalence of this disorder varies based on its different definitions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS in Iranian adolescents in junior high and high schools according to the definitions provided by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and De Ferranti. METHODS: Overall, 1039 junior high school and 953 high school students were selected using multistage random sampling. Demographic data was collected using validated questionnaires. Fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were determined. Waist circumference and blood pressure were measured by trained individuals. Subjects with MetS were selected according to two definitions provided by the IDF and De Ferranti. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the prevalence of MetS and its components based on sex, school level, and the two definitions. RESULTS: The mean age of junior high and high school students was 13.11 ± 1.21ad 15.93 ± 1.07 years old, respectively. The prevalence of MetS among all participants was 4.8% and 12.7% according to the definitions by the IDF and De Ferranti, respectively. It was significantly higher among boys compared to girls. According to the IDF definition, low HDL-C and hypertension were the most frequent components. Based on the De Ferranti, abdominal obesity and hypertriglyceridemia were the most frequent components. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS was higher in both groups of students based on De Ferranti definition compared to the IDF definition. The prevalence was not significantly different in boys and girls. Further studies to investigate the most suitable definition of MetS for Iranian adolescents are necessary.

Impact of a community-based lifestyle intervention program on blood pressure and salt intake of normotensive adult population in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Data on the effect of lifestyle intervention programs on salt intake and blood pressure in developing countries are scarce. This study aimed to assess the impact of a healthy lifestyle community-based trial on salt intake and blood pressure among a representative sample of normotensive Iranian adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the data for salt intake, urinary sodium levels and blood pressure from three cross-sectional surveys in time points of 1999, 2001-2002 (beginning of the community interventions), and 2007 (after the community trial) for normotensive adult population of Isfahan, Iran in the framework of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. Using multi-stage cluster sampling method, one of the family members at each household was randomly selected with Iranian adult population as a target. Dietary salt intake was estimated based on 24 hour urinary sodium levels. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured according to standard methods. RESULTS: Dietary sodium intake and urinary sodium levels as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly decreased during the 9-year study period. Unlike systolic and diastolic blood pressures that had a consistent decrement between 1999 and 2007, dietary sodium intake and urinary sodium levels were slightly raised from 1999 to 2000-2001 and then reduced between 2001-2 and 2007 evaluations. The same findings were reached when data were analyzed separately by gender or weight status. CONCLUSIONS: A lifestyle community trial was effective in controlling the escalating trend of blood pressure and salt intake in Iranian population. It can be considered as a model to be adopted in other developing countries.

The Relationship between Weight and CVD Risk Factors in a Sample Population from Central Iran (Based on IHHP).

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality all around the world. Obesity is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this respect, we decided to examine the effect of the subgroups of weight on cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done in 2006 using the data obtained by the Iranian Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) and based on classification of obesity by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, the samples were tested based on the Framingham risk score, Metabolic Measuring Score (MMS) and classification of obesity. Chi-square and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 12514 people with a mean age of 38 participated in this study. 6.8% of women and 14% of men had university degrees (higher than diploma). Obesity was seen in women more than men: 56.4% of women and 40% of men had a Body Mass Index of (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2. 13% of the subjects had FBS > 110 and13.9% of them were using hypertensive drugs. In this study, we found that all risk factors, except HDL cholesterol in men, increased with an increase in weight. This finding is also confirmed by the Framingham flowfigure for men and women. CONCLUSION: One of every two Americans, of any age and sex, has a Body Mass Index of (BMI) ≥ 25 Kg/m2. Obesity associated CVD and other serious diseases. Many studies have been done in different countries to find the relationship between obesity and CVD risk factors. For example, in the U.S.A and Canada they found that emteropiotic parameters, blood presser and lipids increased by age(of both sexes). Moreover, another study done in China, which is a country in Asia like Iran, shows that BMI has an indirect effect on HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. This data is consistent with the results of the current study. However, In China they found that this relationship in men is stronger than women, but our study reveals the opposite.

Metabolic syndrome and health-related quality of life in Iranian population.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the association between Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Health related quality of life (QoL) in Iranian population. METHODS: We used data from the post-intervention phase of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP), a community trial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and control. We recruited 9570 healthy adults, aged ≥ 19 years who were randomly selected using multistage random sampling method. World Health Organization QoL questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) which contains 26 items was used to assess QoL. It assesses four domains of QoL; Physical health, Psychological health, Social relationship and Environmental issues. MetS was defined based on ATP III criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 38.8±15.6 years (mean ± SD) and the prevalence of MetS was 22.5%. From all participant 18.2% were illiterate and 13.2% had university educational level. Two way multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) test after adjusting age showed significant difference between women with and without Mets in regard to physical health and social relations domains, while none of QoL domains was different in men with Mets in comparison to men without it. CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting the role of socio-demographic factors as components of QoL score, no association was observed between QoL domains and MetS in men, while only social relations and physical health scores were higher in women with Mets compared to those without Mets. Other variety of health-related QoL assessment tools or definitions of MetS may show different relationship in the Iranian socio-cultural context.

How can the results of a qualitative process evaluation be applied in management, improvement and modification of a preventive community trial? The IHHP Study.

BACKGROUND: This study reports the results of the qualitative process evaluation (PE) of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP), an integrated community-based trial for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Iran. METHODS: The study explored the overall quality of program implementation. The participants, including designers of IHHP, stakeholders and community members (n = 60) were purposefully recruited from the intervention areas. Data collected from semi-structured interviews and field notes were analyzed using a modified thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified. Our findings highlighted the key role of the resources as both facilitating and hindering factors. IHHP directors faced incompatibilities arising from negative perceptions/attitudes which resulted in decreased adherence to the program. Hence various strategies were used to motivate, strengthen and organize the human workforce implementing the program. CONCLUSION: Recommendations arising from evaluation of the program were used in subsequent stages of implementation. Qualitative research is an important component of community trials which can improve their implementation.

Association between cigarette smoking and socio-demographics, lifestyle and mental health factors in a sampled Iranian population.

The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between cigarette smoking and socio-economic variable in an Iranian male population. Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) is a community oriented health study from which we obtained our data regarding male subjects. Socio-demographic variables--sex, age, marital status, educational level, occupation, and income--and physical activity level were derived from the questionnaire. Nutritional status was asked by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and the general dietry index (GDI) was calculated. A general health questionnaire (GHQ) comprised of 12 items was used to assess mental health. Smoking status was investigated by a self reported questionnaire as a dependent variable. A logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis. Current smokers comprised 26.2% of respondents while 8.5% were ex-smokers. High income (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.13-3.67), GDI (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.44-2.32) and high stress (GHQ > or = 4 OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.48-2) were associated with smoking. Older age (OR 0.991; 95% CI 0.985-0.998), university education level (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.37-0.77), unemployment (OR 0.8; 95% CI 0.64-0.99) and obesity (BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.55-0.73) were associated with non-smoking status. Our findings confirm an association between socio-demographics, lifestyle and mental health variables with smoking in the Iranian population, consistent with other studies worldwide. These factors should be considered when developing smoking cessation strategies.

The impact of obesity on hypertension and diabetes control following healthy Lifestyle Intervention Program in a developing country setting.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity and overweight on diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) control in a healthy lifestyle intervention program in Iran. METHODS: Within the framework of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP), a community trial that was conducted to prevent and control cardiovascular disease and its risk factors, two intervention counties (Isfahan and Najafabad) and one reference county (Arak) were selected. Demographic information, medical history, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive medications use were asked by trained interviewers in addition to physical examination and laboratory tests for 12514 adults aged more than 19 years in 2001 and were repeated for 9572 adults in 2007. RESULTS: In women, the frequency of HTN control change significantly neither in normal weight nor in those with high body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) or waist to hip ratio (WHR). In men, the frequency of HTN control was only significant among those with high WHR, whereas the interaction between changes in intervention compared to reference area from 2001 to 2007 was significant in men with normal or high WC or WHR. In intervention area, the number of women with high BMI who controlled their DM increased significantly from 2001 to 2007 (p = 0.008), however, this figure decreased in men. In reference area, obesity indices had no significant association with DM control. The percentage of diabetic subjects with high WC who controlled their DM decreased non-significantly in intervention area compared to reference area in 2007. A non-significant increase in controlled DM among men and women with high WHR was observed between intervention and reference areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our lifestyle interventions did not show any improving effect on HTN or DM control among obese subjects based on different obesity indices. Other lifestyle intervention strategies are suggested.

Gender differences in obesogenic behaviour, socioeconomic and metabolic factors in a population-based sample of Iranians: the IHHP study.

This study investigated the gender differences in association of some behavioural and socioeconomic factors with obesity indices in a population-based sample of 12,514 Iranian adults. The mean body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly higher in women than in men. Current and passive smoking had an inverse association with BMI among males whereas current smoking, transportation by a private car, and longer duration of watching television (TV) had a positive association with BMI among females. Current and passive smoking, cycling, and Global Dietary Index (GDI) had an inverse association with WC among males. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, current and passive smoking, duration of daily sleep, and GDI had an inverse association with WC among females. Using a private car for transportation had a significant positive association with WHR among both males and females. Living in an urban area, being married, and having a higher education level increased the odds ratio of obesity among both the genders. Non-manual work also increased this risk among males whereas watching TV and current smoking increased this risk among females. Such gender differences should be considered for culturally-appropriate interventional strategies to be implemented at the population level for tackling obesity and associated cardiometabolic risk factors.